Alternative Fuel Cars Gaining Ground in the UK

Jan 10 2012

In a year during which sales of new cars dropped by 4.4%, more than 1,000 new electric cars were sold in the UK – both to cash and car finance buyers.  What is even more encouraging is that during 2011 more than 23,000 hybrid cars were sold in the country.

It seems that British drivers are developing a preference for hybrid electric cars – more so than for purely electric vehicles.  Only £5.26 million of the £250 million that was allotted by the government for subsidies on electric cars was used during last year.

This year, however, a number of new models will be introduced to the British market that could well significantly stimulate local demand.  The Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius plug-in, the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid and the Vauxhall Ampera are all on the cards for 2012.

In total the market for alternative fuel vehicles increased by nearly 80% last year, while sales of petrol/electric hybrids rose by 5.6%.  Diesel cars now account for more than 50% of the market.  Alternative fuel vehicles still only capture 1.3% of the market, but that, of course, means there is huge room for future growth.

A total number of 1,941,253 vehicles were sold in the UK during 2011, a decrease of 4.4% compared to 2012, but still more than the anticipated 1.92 million according to industry forecasts.

Emission levels are declining steadily.  Last year the average CO2 emission level dropped to a new low of 138.1g/km – compared to the 181.0g/km in 2000.

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